Police officers are agents of the state. Their job is to enforce the law, investigate criminal activity and uphold social order. In some cases, police officers may engage in questionable behavior in misguided attempts to fulfill their professional obligations. When police officers question those who may have broken the law, they may engage in a variety of interrogation tactics. Sometimes,…
Finding out that your teenager has been arrested and is facing criminal charges can be overwhelming and frightening. As a parent, you want to protect your child and ensure their future remains bright. Understanding what to do next can help you to achieve the best possible outcome for your teen. Your first instinct may be to panic, but staying calm will help…
Anyone who spots the flashing lights of a police vehicle behind them in traffic may worry about citation or arrest. If the driver had a drink before their encounter with police, they may worry about operating while intoxicated (OWI) charges. Instead of a basic citation, allegations of an OWI offense can lead to misdemeanor charges. In cases involving aggravating factors,…
Many people facing criminal charges try to fight the allegations either by proving no crime occurred or that they weren’t involved in one that did. Those facing assault charges risk having a permanent record of a violent crime if they plead guilty. Occasionally, the state has witness statements, security camera footage or forensic evidence directly tying an individual to a…
Police officers conduct searches to ensure their safety in some circumstances and to gather evidence in others. A search of an individual’s residence is almost always related to evidence collection or conducting an arrest, as opposed to ensuring the safety of police officers. People who find the police waiting at their door are often unsure of how to respond. They…
Police officers do not necessarily care about catching the right person. They simply want to have a high arrest and conviction rate. Sometimes, the tactics used by police officers can lead to innocent people facing criminal charges. Innocent people may even plead guilty to criminal charges out of fear of the consequences if they go to court and get convicted.…
Platforms like Facebook, Instagram, X and Snapchat allow Americans to stay connected, share experiences and express their thoughts and opinions on everything from politics to poodles. However, for individuals who are facing criminal investigations or criminal charges, the very act of logging onto social media platforms can be like trying to navigate a minefield. If you are being investigated or…
Police officers who suspect someone of impairment at the wheel can make numerous demands during a traffic stop. They can ask personal questions and may try to corroborate their suspicions of chemical impairment. Most drivers facing police suspicion do their best to cooperate during a traffic stop. They believe that by following a police officer’s instructions and answering their questions,…
People who are facing criminal justice charges often don’t want to have to remain in jail while their cases move through the criminal justice system. Instead, they want to be released so they can work on their case and take care of normal business while spending time with friends and family. For some, getting out of jail while they await…
If someone faces criminal charges, a court order of probation could be among the best possible outcomes. Many criminal charges can lead to incarceration if someone pleads guilty or gets convicted at trial. When the state has strong evidence, a defendant may not want to take the case to trial because they assume that they cannot successfully defend against the…